Coventry University plans to set up what is thought to be the UK's first Evidence Centre for Inclusive Transport after securing a £20m grant from the Motability charity.
Motablity said that disabled people make 38% fewer journeys than non-disabled people and hopes the centre will tackle this 'transport accessibility gap'.
The aim is to work with disabled people, disabled people’s organisations, transport providers and policy makers to undertake research and use emerging technology advances to improve the accessibility and reliability of transport for disabled people.
The Evidence Centre for Inclusive Transport is expected to launch in early 2023, and the £20m grant is set to cover operations for seven years.
Giles Perkins, head of profession, Future Mobility, at WSP, said: 'Setting up the first collaborative UK centre that improves transport for disabled people is an exciting first step in making transport accessible, and WSP is delighted to be a partner to the Evidence Centre.
'We know that there is a significant opportunity to improve transport for disabled people so we’re proud to support the Evidence Centre and our partners to drive meaningful change.'
Paul Herriotts, professor of transport design in the Centre for Future Transport and Cities at Coventry University, said: 'The Evidence Centre will house and deliver future research - with this much-needed new approach: the generous funding from Motability enables us to undertake innovative applied research that puts disabled people at the heart of the process.
'We will look to disabled people to help guide and inform our activities and to help shape the future of public and private transport in the UK. The Evidence Centre looks to make a real difference and to drive change with the intention of positively transforming the lives of disabled people.'
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